Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is in the highlands of Guatemala, and is the commercial hub of the Maya-Quiché highlands. On Thursdays and Sundays, the indigenous people from the surrounding hills flood into town for the largest open-air day market in the country. Chichicastenango’s focus is around the main plaza, dominated by two colonial churches where one can observe the Maya performing a mixture of Christian and pagan religious ceremonies. Chichicastenango is about 4 hours from Guatemala City or Antigua - it's advisable to arrive the night before market day, as it is best to be at the day market in the morning. Travellers should spend maybe one or two nights in a hotel at Chichicastenango when on holiday in Guatemala.

Chichicastenango Hotels:

Santo Tomas - a friendly family-run hotel situated just two minutes walk from Santo Tomas Church, which is the focal point of Chichicastenengo's Indian day market. Santo Thomas has 70 relatively simple rooms and a swimming pool. The night before market day, live marimba music is performed.

Mayan Inn - the Mayan Inn is a comfortable hotel just one block from Chichicastenango's market. It's an attractive colonial hotel with a lovely courtyard, good restaurant and 40 rooms in total.